A weekly journal from one who has a lot of weight to lose. Covers the emotional roller coaster that accompanies weight loss. A positive approach to weight loss.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

MILEPOST 165 - A WEEK IN THE MOUNTAINS

MILEPOST 165 - A WEEK IN THE MOUNTAINS!

Yes, it was a difficult time to stay on program. I have said that I no longer crave chocolate - which is true! However, after passing up Alice's brownies at least twice, I broke down and had one! DELICIOUS! No, chocolate is still not a "safe" food. I think I stayed on program about 75% of the time, and still enjoyed some of the favorites that were being served. And, I lost a little over 2 pounds in the two-week period. I am getting so close to my goal! Only 15 more pounds! I have mixed feelings about reaching that final weight. Some of the protein supplements are so good that I am really going to miss them.

Camping! We used to camp a lot when we were younger and that was the only form of entertainment we could afford. Now, we camp once a year - in the mountains south of Butte, Montana. This was the 3rd Annual Stratton Campout.

Bob grew up in those mountains, and they define who he is. And, the year we courted before our marriage was spent in those mountains. Last year, I dreaded having to go to the campout. Sleeping in a tent was torture! Rolling off the air mattress and trying to stand up to walk outside to the porta potty was a monumental task.

"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise." ~George Washington Carver

This year was different. Shedding 163 pounds has made me into a new person. I was so excited looking forward to our camping trip. I planned and planned, packed, shopped. All in anticipation of spending 4 days in the mountains. Bob laughed at me, "You are planning this thing to death!" he told me a couple of days before we left.

"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!" ~John Muir

Bob and I are usually the first to wake up, which means that we enjoy the silence of the morning dawn together.

Our campsite has a central firepit, which is a fantastic firepit. Bob stoked up the fire and got the flames going, and then we sit with each other enjoying the solitude and glory of the morning sunrise. The pot of coffee begins to bubble on the grate over the fire, and eventually the others join us around the fire. There is no cell service there, so we are able to talk and converse like real people. And, amazingly enough, we all manage without them.

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful." ~e.e. cummings

The kids love the camping experience. There are 8 kids - ages 7 to 15. The little ones spend hours playing in the little stream that runs through the campsite. This year, they built a teepee - they had some twine and found limbs and lashed them together. They were covered in mud - the socks and shoes may never be the same again. It is amazing to me that they don't see each other for a year, but as soon as they pull into camp, the doors all swing open, and they are off together having a wonderful time. No shyness or bickering - just a love of the great outdoors.

This year, I took hats and lots of decorations so they were able to decorate hats - not only for themselves, but for anyone who wanted one. They are very creative and artistic. We had some beautiful head wear at camp.

No matter how long we have traveled on the wrong road, we can always turn around.""PosPositive:

I was able to do anything I wanted this year. No longer encumbered by 163 extra pounds, I loved being there. I loved being with family and friends, and making new friends. I loved being able to stand and cook a meal in my Dutch ovens. I loved sleeping in our tent. Each thing I did was like a new experience - I actually believe I could feel the excitement known by a child as he takes his first steps.
Bob and I went for some long rides on the 4-wheeler. Last year, I was unable to fit on the seat behind him, but this year we were able to enjoy the rides together.

We hiked up the mountain near the campsite. Not all the way to the top, but it was a great first step - and not only was I able to go up, but coming back down didn't hurt my knees.

I cannot tell you how many times I heard the words, "Peggy? I didn't recognize you!"

I can't wait for next year! The drive home is long and tedious and I had lots of time to think of things to do next year.

MILEPOST 182!! LUCKY 13!

MILEPOST 178 - 2 MORE TO GO

Our dinner date - I felt great!

MILEPOST 175.8 - 4.2 POUNDS TO GOAL!

I weigh less now than the total amount of weight I have lost!

MILEPOST 171.8!

PINCH ME! I MUST BE DREAMING!

A little extra thought

• "Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you cannot change. Kiss slowly, love deeply, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything, and have no regrets. Life's too short to be anything but happy."

MILEPOST 165 - A WEEK IN THE MOUNTAINS!

I hiked! And, my knees didn't hurt!

MILEPOST 163 - ONLY 17 MORE POUNDS TO DESTINATION

Campout Week - A new set of challenges!

MILEPOST 160 - A LONG BUMPY ROAD

Enjoying a fun night at Tootsie's in Nashville

MILEPOST 153 - AND AWAY WE GO!!

Boston - here we come!

MILEPOST 151 - YAY!!!

Only 29 pounds to go - I feel FANTASTIC!

MILEPOST 148 - HAPPINESS IS A LONG, HOT BUBBLEBATH??

MILEPOST 144 - A DIFFICULT WEEK!

"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there." - Josh Billings

MILEPOST 142 - GETTING CLOSER

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DO ONCE IN AWHILE, IT'S WHAT YOU DO DAY IN
AND DAY OUT THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

MILEPOST 139 - I THINK I CAN!

"You will never be like the 'Little Engine That Could' if you sit around on your caboose." - @TheRealLesBrown

MILEPOST 139

MILEPOST 134 - A PLANNED DEVIATION

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH - KOBE BEEF EGGS BENEDICT

MILEPOST 133 - I AM LOVING LIFE!

ONLY 47 POUNDS TO GO - JUST AROUND THE NEXT BEND!

MILEPOST 127

53 POUNDS TO GO!

MILEPOST 122

Your mind is a powerful tool...

MILEPOST 112 - ENJOYING THE BEACH

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE MOMENTS LIKE THIS!

ME AND MY (OUR) MINI

READY FOR THE ROAD AHEAD!

MILEPOST 108

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

MILEPOST 105

Sept 25, 2010 / Mar. 8, 2011

OOPS! MELT DOWN!

Sometimes, I just want food!

MILEPOST 99

100 POUNDS - JUST AHEAD!

MILEPOST 95

RE-WRITING THE ENDING

MILEPOST 90 - HALFWAY

- A GLORIOUS NEW DAY!

MILEPOST 85 - ARE WE THERE YET, DAD?

Patience is a virtue - one that I am working on.

MILEPOST 83 - FOOD, FOOD EVERYWHERE!

"EAT TO LIVE - NOT LIVE TO EAT!"

MILEPOST 80 - I AM HAPPY!

"Mom, you look sincerely happy!"

Random Comments

I now weigh less than the weight printed on my driver's license!

My coach and me - 1-13-11

Me, and my coach, Brenda, who lost 90+ pounds on program

My dinner - salmon, brussel sprouts, spinach

I love the foods I can have for dinner

My Next Goal - Milepost 90

I have decided on my next goal. Eighteen (18) more pounds by Valentine's Day. I know I can do this with your help.